CHAPTER 16

Erik had a dreamless night. It was no surprise to him, due to his utter exhaustion from recollecting his painful childhood for Christine. He watched her in her sleep. She was so beautiful. She had her arm resting upon his chest and her legs were tangled within his. Her hair fell across her shoulder softly. Being beside her like this was so calming to him. He wished to stay like this forever, but he knew there were matters to attend to today. He brought her hand, which rested on his chest, up to his lips and kissed it tenderly.

Christine stirred and slowly opened her eyes. She yawned slightly and looked up at him. "Is it time to get up already, Angel?"

"Oui, mon ange. As much as I'd love to spend the entire day here with you," he touched the tip of her nose lovingly, "there is much to be done and we must not delay." He propped himself up on his elbows and continued, "Nadir should be here soon. I'll need to go over several details with him before the two of you head out for the day."

Christine stretched out and then suddenly rolled on top of him, catching him off guard. "What if I wish to keep you here, Monsieur?" She finished with a mischievous smile.

Erik grabbed the side of her arms, rolling her onto her back and pinning her underneath him. He growled seductively and said, "You play with fire, Christine. I fear you do not know what you ask for, my dear."

He bent his head down to her neck and nuzzled the hollow curve of it hungrily. She let out a small moan that made his heart race. He kissed along her neck, making his way up to her lips. As their tongues met, he pushed his body against her more firmly.

Christine ran her hands against the back of his neck and slowly down his back as she unconsciously wrapped her legs around his waist.

Erik was in a haze. His mind became lightheaded. He didn't know how much restraint he had left, but he had to do something before he could no longer stop himself. He reached for Christine's hands and pinned them above her head as he broke their frenzied kiss. "You are quite the temptress, Mademoiselle, but we'll have to continue our passion-play another time." He kissed her chastely on the lips then swiftly moved off the bed and landed on his feet. "Mademoiselle…" he gestured with his hand, bowing, and exited the room.

Christine crossed her arms and pouted, as she lay there alone with thoughts of her Angel.

After his bath and changing into more suitable attire, Erik readied some tea and sweet biscuits for Nadir's arrival. He gathered some documents from his bedroom and brought them to a corner he referred to as his study.

As he sat looking over the papers, Nadir announced his presence. "You have become rather domestic since our times in Persia, my boy… tea and biscuits? Are we to have a tea party, Erik?" Nadir said humorously.

"It's a bit early for your sarcasm, is it not, Daroga?" Erik glared at Nadir.

"Yes, perhaps I shall save it up for later," Nadir said as he seated himself and poured a cup of tea.

Erik smirked at Nadir then proceeded, "Let's get down to business, shall we? I have very little funds on the premises, so you will need to meet with my financial advisor, Monsieur Reinard, who has been entrusted to secure a larger amount of my financial holdings. I've sent him word and he will be expecting you. He shall be at your disposal for anything you will need to secure a home for Christine and I. There will be no mistaking your identity and purpose with these," Erik handed Nadir several documents.

Nadir was intrigued at what he now held in his possession. "Erik, this is…"

"My Last Will and Testament, which I revised. I trust you will keep it safe and make sure it arrives in the hands of Monsieur Reinard, will you not, Daroga?" Erik raised a questioning eyebrow to his foreign brother.

"If I didn't know any better, Erik, I would think this meant you actually liked me," Nadir jested, but continued with a serious tone, "but my boy, I am honored that you entrust me with this," Nadir patted at the documents that now lay on his lap.

Reconsidering a retort back at Nadir, Erik finished his tea, stood from his chair, and placed his hand on Nadir's shoulder. "Everything is in order then. I'll see if Christine is ready."

With that, he left Nadir and headed for Christine's bedroom.

"Christine, are you…" Erik swallowed his words as he viewed his Angel on the swan bed, asleep. He would never grow tired of these moments he could watch her in complete peace. He quietly made his way to her. Ghosting his hand along the side of her cheek he whispered, "Awake from your slumber my sleeping beauty, for your prince calls to you. With this kiss, I summon thee…" Erik placed an enchanting kiss to her lips to bring her from her dreams.

Christine's eyes fluttered open. "Mon dieu, I didn't mean to fall asleep again."

Erik ran his fingers through her curls and smiled at her. "Nadir is here and awaits your presence, mon ange."

"Please send him my apologies, Erik. I'll just freshen up. I won't be long." Christine got up from the swan bed and made her way to the bathroom.

"As you wish, princess," Erik said obediently.

Erik handed Nadir a small envelope with his trademark seal, "Daroga, please have a messenger deliver this to Madame Giry."

Nadir took the envelope and then stepped into the boat.

Erik reached for Christine's hand and placed a kiss upon it, then helped her into the boat.

"You will inform me if our dear Daroga displays any aberrant behavior, will you not, mon amour?" Erik said conspiratorially.

"Oh Erik! What am I going to do with you?" Christine said as she slapped him on the arm.

Erik sneered at Nadir then replied to Christine, "Anything you wish, mon ange. I am yours to do with as you please," he finished with a wink.

"We should go now, for I fear my breakfast will revisit me in a most unsavory way," Nadir said with a dramatic air.

As Nadir pushed the boat back away from the banks of the lair, Erik mocked, "Daroga, I do believe that image would only be an improvement over your normal disposition!" Erik grinned, and turned away triumphantly.